Small things to know about the Goddess Brigid
Brigid is not only a Goddess, but also a Saint to Christians, so if you were raised a Christian and have trouble consolidating your faith, she can be an ideal way to cross paths.
She can be seen as either a Triple Goddess or as three independent Goddesses, depending on your interpretation of her origins. Her other forms are labeled her sisters, also named Brigid.
She is heavily of Celtic origin, and if you are of Irish heritage she is also an ideal choice.
As Goddess of the hearth (among other things), Brigid is fond of controlled flames, like a fireplace or candle left burning to welcome her. Her three forms can represent the three types of controlled flame; the literal fire in the case of a hearth (or one used in smithing or cooking), a figurative fire that burns in your soul to inspire creation and artistic pursuits, and a fire that purifies the land to lead to new life.
There is also the Brigid’s Cross, which you can turn into a small ritual as you make it. It’s not only a symbol of her, but also protects the home from evil, sickness, and fire. But it’s hard to pin down what is traditional and what is a Christianization of this particular symbol, so if that upsets you I’d try something else.
She is the Goddess for whom Imbolc was created and it’s her it honors, so celebrating this holiday is highly encouraged.
She is associated with the colour green, particularly green hoods/clothing, as she is depicted wearing a green mantel. (Although, again: Christianization makes the origin of her mantel murky. Before Christianity, she was associated with the mantel, so don’t worry about it’s legitimacy.) You can have any green cloth (preferably a hood) blessed on Imbolc, as that’s when she walks the Earth. Simply place it on your doorstep or on an open windowsill, and it will be blessed in the morning.
She is also Goddess of crafting, black smithing, and poetry. Any act of creation is a gift and a practice of her good will.
She is heavily associated with child birth and motherhood; doubly so if she is your Mother Goddess. She is said to be present at every birth, and will bless any child swaddled in green.
